By Vaye A. Lepolu
Salala, Bong County – Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah, has launched a district-wide anti-drug awareness campaign in Salala, Bong County. The program, held under the theme “Protect Your Dreams as Youth, Reject Drug Use,” is aimed at fighting the growing problem of narcotics in Liberia.
Speaking at the launch, Rep. Briggs-Mensah described the fight against drugs as a national struggle requiring unity and compassion. She stressed that the campaign is not meant to punish users, but to save the younger generation. “The drugs campaign is not to punish users but to save our young ones coming up for the future,” she said.
The Chairperson of the House’s Committee on Gender, Children, and Social Protection reminded the audience that Liberia has overcome serious crises before, adding: “We fought Ebola. We fought COVID-19. We can also fight drugs and ensure our children grow up in a better society.” The event was attended by local leaders, youth groups, women’s organizations, and security officials, all pledging support.
Testimonies from former drug users, including survivor Dabah James, highlighted the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged young people to stay away from narcotics. Rep. Briggs thanked community members and partners for backing the initiative, describing the campaign as “the first step in a long journey” to make Salala and Liberia drug free.
Calls for Action on FGM Violation
At the same time, Rep. Briggs used the occasion to express serious concern over the recent graduation of 502 girls from a Sande Bush school in Konia, Lofa County, in clear violation of the government’s suspension order on such practices.
The Committee on Gender, Child Development, and Social Services, which she chairs, said the act undermines both the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and Liberia’s human rights obligations. Although the Ministry suspended Paramount Chief James Tarnue and Clan Chief Bigboy Kokulo for failing to stop the illegal activity, Rep. Briggs said the punishment was inadequate and called for tougher actions.
She demanded prosecution of all individuals, including “zoes” and ministry officials, who facilitated the activity, harsher sanctions for chiefs who defy national directives, deployment of compliance teams in counties where Sande practices are common, quarterly enforcement reports to the Legislature and counseling and health support for the 502 girls initiated.
Rep. Briggs reminded traditional leaders that customary authority does not override national law. “Protecting the rights and safety of women and girls is not optional; it is a constitutional and moral duty,” she declared. She warned that if violations continue, the Committee will recommend budgetary sanctions against the Ministry of Internal Affairs and push for statutory penalties criminalizing breaches of FGM suspensions.
